Millions of drivers are ready to hit the road for the holiday season, and many of them will be doing so without the aid of technological devices. Although it sometimes appears like every driver is looking up information on a smartphone, it turns out a significant number are still using traditional written directions to get around – shirking the latest technologies in the process. 

Mintel, a supplier of consumer intelligence, recently conducted a survey to see how drivers access directions when traveling to a new location. The poll found that 31 percent of motorists still use printed or written directions, while about 25 percent of drivers use their phones to navigate. 

Those surprising results may be partially attributed to the fact that many drivers do not want to engage in distracted driving. They are hesitant to spend time searching for information on a mobile device when they should be focusing on the road. However, this could be avoided by investing in a vehicle with advanced technology and smartphone integration, which make it easy to get directions and other information without losing sight of the road. 

"Gone are tactile controls and, in their stead, many automakers are now offering touchscreens with interactive controls that allow for much of the same functionality that one would find on a smartphone or tablet computer," said Colin Bird, an automotive analyst at Mintel. "These advances come at the right time, as drivers are looking for ways to reduce the distracting nature of the mobile phone while still having the convenience of their mobile devices on hand." 

Drivers who are ready to find a vehicle with more advanced technology should check out the selection at New Jersey State Auto Auction. That lot is home to hundreds of CARFAX-certified cars, trucks and vans, many of which have state-of-the-art features that can make driving easier and more fun. 

Preparing for winter involves much more than digging out heavy jackets. You also need to get your car ready for the colder months, and this typically goes beyond strapping on snow tires or investing in an ice scraper. One of the most important things drivers need to do in anticipation of the season is check their HVAC system, which controls the heating, ventilation and air conditioning. 

Although air conditioning may be low on your list of priorities as the temperature starts to fall, ensuring that the heating and ventilation systems are working at a high level is extremely important. For one, these tools are essential for maintaining your comfort as you drive. Being too hot or too cold while behind the wheel can be overly distracting and may cause you to lose focus on the road – something that could lead to dangerous situations. An HVAC system that isn't working properly may also be a sign of other internal issues or electric problems. 

To avoid encountering trouble with your HVAC system, get it checked by a professional. You should also be paying attention to related maintenance issues, such as checking the engine, replacing filters and other tasks. 

"The last thing any driver needs is a vehicle that breaks down in cold, harsh winter weather," said Rich White, executive director of the Car Care Council. "A vehicle check before the temperatures drop is a sensible way to avoid the inconvenience of being stranded out in the cold with the unexpected expense of emergency repairs." 

When there's an issue with your vehicle that needs to be addressed, take it into the Total Car Care Center at NJ Auto Auction. The garage caters to the public and can handle a variety of maintenance problems commonly associated with used cars. 

With many people expected to take to the roads during the week of Thanksgiving, staying safe behind the wheel becomes even more important. A large number of travelers road tripping to their destinations, coupled with potentially cold weather, could lead to collisions or dangerous breakdowns that leave motorists in hazardous situations. Luckily, there are a few ways drivers can prepare for the holiday rush, specifically with regard to their cars. 

The first thing drivers should do is take care of basic vehicle maintenance. Checking tire pressure and tread, charging the battery and refilling wiper fluid or even replacing the wipers are all good ideas. Not only can well-maintained wipers make it easier to drive, but they can also ensure you can stay safe and avoid collisions on the roads. Having clear visibility, efficient brakes and other high-quality parts of a car can cut down on the dangers of accidents and improve your odds of reaching your destination without a problem. 

"Learning how to handle common maintenance issues is beneficial to anyone who gets behind the wheel," said John Nielsen, managing director of AAA Automotive Engineering and Repair. "Proper maintenance can extend the life of your vehicle and help prevent costly repairs." 

Additionally, drivers should also ensure that any outstanding repairs are cared for. Issues that have been put off could have worsened over time, putting everyone on the road in danger. Let a professional check over these problems and fix anything that may be harmful to the operation of a vehicle. 

Anyone who is concerned about their vehicle during the holiday season should make their way to New Jersey Auto Auction. There they will find the Total Car Care Center, a garage catering to the public that is capable of addressing any issues you may have. 

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and while many Americans are likely excited for family gatherings and delicious feasts, they should be ready to encounter some congestion on the roads. The latest study from INRIX, the traffic tracking firm, found that driving this Thanksgiving is expected to rise compared to last year. 

USA Today reported that road travel for the November holiday will increase by 3 percent compared to 2012. Most of this traffic will be on the Wednesday before, which is largely known as the "getaway day" for travelers. Lower gas prices have encouraged many to get behind the wheel, especially because many experts predict the entire Thanksgiving week will see the lowest fuel costs since before 2010. 

AAA found that the average cost of gas in the U.S. was $3.20 per gallon, and in many areas it has fallen below $3. 

"What we've been seeing this spring and summer is congestion levels up about 6 percent on average, month over month," said Jim Bak, director of community relations for INRIX, as quoted by USA Today. "Over the last couple of months, we saw things tail off a little bit. So we expect holiday congestion to be up about 3 percent over last year. If gas prices weren't as low as they are, things probably would have been flat compared to last year. With the low gas prices, people have more incentive to travel." 

If you need a vehicle that will get you to your destination safely, check out the selection at NJ State Auto Auction. Not only does the lot have hundreds of CARFAX-certified used cars to choose from, but it also has a Total Car Care Center that is capable of addressing any issues you may have regarding one of your own automobiles. 

Pickup trucks are among the most popular vehicles in the U.S., both for new and used car purchases. However, it can be difficult to know what to expect when shopping around for a used truck, especially if you have never owned one before. Here are a few tips for navigating this difficult stretch and land the pickup on your dreams. 

One important factor to keep in mind is that pickup trucks vary just as much as smaller, compact cars. Researching your multiple options ahead of time is essential, as it will provide you with a frame of reference while you shop around. Part of the beauty of pickup trucks is that they can be used for a wide variety of purposes, so if you want machines that will allow you to go off-roading or complete some heavy-duty work, you'll likely be looking at different vehicles than normal, everyday drivers. 

Another aspect to keep in mind is that the pickup may have had a specific use in the past, so a thorough examination is required to ensure everything is in working order. Examine the underside of the vehicle and survey the equipment there. After all, any machine that has been used in rough conditions or terrain may have wear and tear you should be aware of. 

As you are checking these areas, be sure to take a look at the body paneling. All of the seams and hinges should be smooth, and you need to keep an eye out for rusted sections or dents that could impact the function of the truck. 

Drivers who are looking to invest in a used truck should consider heading to NJ State Auto Auction to check out the selection. The lot has hundreds of CARFAX-certified vehicles, many of which are pickup trucks that could be an excellent choice for your next investment. 

Traveling is a necessary part of the holidays for many, but it also has the potential to be among the most dreaded aspects of the season. Uncomfortable flights, long delays and hectic security screenings create a nightmarish scenario at airports, and with the cost of airfare skyrocketing, travelers are looking for other ways to reach their destinations this year. 

The combination of high ticket prices and inconvenience may cause many travelers to consider taking a road trip. According to The Wall Street Journal, the average price of tickets for domestic flights during the week of Thanksgiving is up 9.4 percent compared to the same time last year, and although Christmas is still weeks away, flight expenses for that week have also increased 7.3 percent. These costs only look to keep rising, motivating many to mull over the possibility of driving to their destination. 

"With no relief in sight for escalating airfares and gas prices dropping below $3 per gallon in some parts of the country, more and more travelers are realizing the economic and hassle-free benefits of driving to their holiday destination," said Rich White, executive director of the Car Care Council. "Going by car offers a number of advantages over flying, and since a family of four can travel 1,000 miles round-trip by car for about the cost of one airline ticket, driving is the sensible option." 

Fewer expenses are just one of the advantages driving has over flying, according to the Car Care Council. Driving is a more comfortable alternative, as there is more legroom and general space for passengers, and it also allows travelers to create their own schedule. Avoiding long lines and inevitable delays at the airport could also save time in the long run. 

Having a safe, efficient vehicle is necessary for anyone taking a road trip. New Jersey State Auto Auction has hundreds of viable options drivers can choose from, and these CARFAX-certified used cars can help travelers save money this holiday season. 

Some drivers may be drawn to hybrids or electric vehicles because of the benefits they offer to the environment. However, used cars may actually pose equal or better advantages to the planet – and to their drivers' wallets. 

Although alternative-fuel vehicles offer zero emissions on the roads, they still need to be manufactured and produced in traditional factories. That, combined with the energy required to charge batteries, means they are still impacting the environment, The Wall Street Journal reported. Eco-friendly cars have a different effect than standard vehicles, but the consequences exist. That also means that purchasing used cars for sale – therefore reusing already existing vehicles – could be beneficial because it cuts down on auto production. 

Used cars may also save drivers money. Hybrids and electric cars provide motorists with savings at the pump, but their initial costs may be much greater than those of pre-owned vehicles. Drivers who want to save money should instead consider what they could save by getting behind the wheel of a fuel-efficient used car. These options are an economical choice for many, as they get great mileage without the high upfront expenses associated with new cars. 

If you're looking for a used car that won't put a major dent in your wallet, head to NJ State Auto Auction. Not only is the lot home to hundreds of CARFAX-certified cars, trucks and vans that could be a great investment, but the facility also has financing services and specials that can help cut down on the price. It also boasts its own maintenance service, the Total Car Care Center, which keeps all vehicles in prime condition so they can achieve optimum efficiency. 

Getting behind the wheel means focusing all of your attention on the road in front of you. This becomes especially difficult when you are feeling tired, as drowsy driving can pose a major threat to everyone on the road. 

A recent survey from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that 28 percent of people admitted to having a hard time staying awake behind the wheel at least once in the past month. Although more than one-fourth of drivers reported facing this issue, an overwhelming 95 percent believe that it is unacceptable to operate a vehicle in this condition. About 83 percent say that drowsy drivers are a threat to the safety of themselves and others. 

"Drowsy driving remains a significant threat to the motoring public, with many drivers underestimating the problem of driving while extremely tired and overestimating their ability to deal with it," said Peter Kissinger, president of the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. "Driving while fatigued is dangerous because it slows reaction time, impairs vision and causes lapses in judgment, similar to driving drunk. We know that people can't reliably predict when they are going to fall asleep, and a very fatigued driver may fall asleep for several seconds without even realizing it." 

It could be difficult for some drivers to realize when they are too tired to safely operate a vehicle. Instances where they have wandering thoughts, find it difficult to focus, cannot recall the past few miles or minutes, or drift in and out of lanes all may signal that an individual is too tired to drive. 

The safest way to avoid drowsy driving is to know your limits and react appropriately. However, it can't hurt to have a vehicle that is equipped with excellent safety features. At New Jersey State Auto Auction, you can look through a collection of hundreds of CARFAX-certified cars, trucks and vans that could prove to be a strong option for any type of driver. 

It's not uncommon to encounter many different kinds of obstacles when traveling during the winter. Whether it's icy roads, snow banks or wild animals foraging for food near the roads, there is a good chance you will encounter some kind of complication when behind the wheel. You can take steps to avoid this, however, especially if you know what to look out for when it comes to deer and other wild animals. 

Unfortunately, accidents involving whitetail deer are a regular occurrence throughout the winter. They can lead to expensive damage to a vehicle – and harm to drivers, passengers or to the animals themselves. To avoid these collisions, drivers should start by slowing down. It is also important to stay alert, particularly during times when deer may be more active, including the hours between dawn and dusk. You should also stay alert when driving on roads near wooded areas where these creatures may make their homes. 

"Deer-vehicle collisions are an unfortunate and often painful consequence of living with whitetails, and there's no predicting when or where they might occur," said Carl G. Roe, executive director of the Game Commission. "Drivers should be advised, however, that deer have entered a period of increased activity and are crossing roads more often as a result. So now more than ever is a time to use extreme caution while behind the wheel." 

If you want to make sure your vehicle is capable of handling the steering and braking necessary to avoid collisions, bring it in to a garage like the one at New Jersey State Auto Auction. The Total Car Care Center at this auction lot can address any issues you may have regarding a vehicle. 

When it comes to shopping around for a used car, many drivers are probably looking for models that are equipped with the latest technology and impressive safety features. The vast majority, however, want to find a pre-owned vehicle that boasts impressive fuel economy. Fuel economy is the one quality that almost all motorists desire, and many are willing to pay a bit more or make other sacrifices to get it. 

A recent survey from Morpace Inc., titled Powertrain Acceptance and Consumer Engagement, looked at the issues drivers care about. It found that 68 percent of motorists claim they would sacrifice vehicle performance for better fuel economy. An additional 62 percent said they would shop around with different makes and models to find the vehicle that was the most fuel efficient – largely because only 28 percent are satisfied with the mileage offered by their current ride. 

Although many people want solid mileage, they are not ready to make the leap to hybrid or electric cars. Only 48 percent of drivers said they would pay more for a vehicle that is environmentally friendly, despite valuing fuel economy over other factors. 

"What is obvious this year is that fuel economy continues to have a significant impact on consumers," said Bryan Krulikowski, the vice president of Morpace automotive. "… Aside from vehicle quality, fuel economy reigns king among vehicle owners. While many consumers indicate an initial interest in battery-powered vehicles, real-world challenges remain an obstacle to adoption in the marketplace." 

If you're searching for a used car that has excellent fuel economy, consider looking at the options available at NJ State Auto Auction. The lot is home to hundreds of CARFAX-certified cars, trucks and vans, many of which offer solid mileage and an array of other desirable features that drivers are looking for.